Portsmouth Port - Britain's best connected ferry port

When travelling by ferry from Portsmouth to Caen, it is important to note that actual arrival is in Ouistreham. Only 15 minutes north of Caen, Ouistreham offers a beautiful town to explore. With its historical D-Day beaches and a picturesque old town, it is definitely worth discovering before continuing on your journey to Caen.

Upon arrival in Caen, you will instantly see that it is a lively and bustling city, set against the historical and architectural wonders of its past. Beautiful houses and churches remain remarkably untouched by the World War Two bombings, as is the stunning medieval fortress built by William the Conqueror proudly protecting the city for almost 1000 years.

A simple ferry crossing to Caen and you are immersed in a different culture. You can dine in traditional, small and quaint French bistros located on the streets off rue de Geôle, as well as high class cosmopolitan restaurants in the pedestrianised quartier Vaugueux.

The gorgeous gardens of Caen offer visitors and residents alike the chance to explore whilst the divine beaches are a haven for relaxation and only a short stroll away from the town.

Caen is a hive of activity, buzzing with tourists eager to make the most of the town. There is easy access directly from Portsmouth to Caen by ferry. Travelling by car ferry to Caen allows you to have the convenience of your own car to explore the local area with ease.

What’s easily accessible?
A ferry crossing from Portsmouth to Caen puts you in the midst of a whole host of opportunities for exploration.
• Caen ferry crossings dock at Ouistreham, which is 10km from the town and 30 minutes by bus No 1, which runs at approximately 30 minute intervals from 0613
• Caen Crossings are at 4 hour intervals allowing for greater choice of when you want to travel
• Excellent road links out of Caen make it an easy drive to Brittany, the Loire and the South of France
• Disneyland Paris is three hours away for those eager children, itching to meet their favorite on screen characters. There is a train from Caen station direct to Disneyland for just £36 for an adult
• Festy land is located on the Caen ring road, and is a theme park based on the theme of 1066. The Drakkar Express and the bumper boats are sure to excite the children while the pre-historic themed area includes life size models of dinosaurs and a rope bridge traversing a lake to enthrall them
• The Arc De Triomphe may be closer than you think. Paris is only 1 hour and 50 minutes away by train, costing £29 return
• The famous Bayeux Tapestry is just a short drive. It is situated 16 miles west-northwest of Caen, and is a stunning piece of work from the 11th century, depicting the Battle of Hastings.

Caen’s worst kept secrets:
1. Jardin de Plantes is a beautifully designed botanical garden, placed to the west of Caen Castle with striking views of its splendour. Take a stroll through its greenhouses to observe the sheer diversity of the flowers and colour.
2. Situated overlooking Place St Pierre, Caen Castle sits on a hill high above the city in its own elegance.  Built by William the Conqueror in 1060, the castle has seen extensive developments in the 13th and 15th centuries. From the castle walls, idyllic views of the expanse of the city can be seen, which are perfect to view at sunset.  
3. Caen is steeped in history, and Normandy is proud and passionate about its part in World War Two. There is a wealth of museums dedicated to aviation, the D-Day landings and the military, each giving a thrilling insight into the action and destruction of the region. Memorial de la bataille de Normandie incorporates modern visuals and to-scale fighter bombers to bring the action to life and capture the thoughts of tourists partial to explore a different stance on the war.
4. Is your ferry crossing to Caen in March? La aspects de la musique contemporaire is a week long festival highlighting new local talent. There are also theatrical performances and art exhibitions which make this festival ideal for people looking to soak up some of Caen’s culture.
5. The St-Jean District of the city has been restored since its destruction in World War Two. This area features the church of St-Jean built in the 14th century and restored to its original splendour after the bombings of Normandy.
6. Caen has a great religious heritage, and La Trinite Church, a Romanesque Abbey, is located to the east of Place St Pierre at the end of Rue des Chanoines. Inside the church is an ornate interior which is a must see for any visitors. Built in 1062 by William the Conqueror’s wife Matilda to compensate for her marriage to her cousin, the church not only has an interesting history, but also houses Queen Matilda’s tomb.
7. The quiet old Vaugueux district of Caen boasts one of Caen’s most highly recommended restaurants, a hidden bistro. Le Bouchon Du Vaugueux prides itself upon its ‘festival of flavours’ varying from traditional Normandy cuisine to a Moroccan inspiration, truly a journey of taste to be undertaken!
8. Normandy is famous for its regional delicacies of rich thick creams and cheeses, so indulge in a few dishes that incorporate the distinctive flavours of Normandy that you just can’t replicate.

Portsmouth to Caen ferry crossings

 Caen crossings to Portsmouth